All the essential information you should know before the 2024 Formula 1 season.
This upcoming season is set to be the lengthiest in the history of Formula 1, featuring a staggering 24 races across 21 countries.
The F1 testing lasting three days has commenced in Bahrain, and we’re only a short time away from the beginning of the 2024 season at the same location on March 2nd.
This upcoming season is set to be the longest in the history of the sport, featuring a staggering 24 races across 21 countries. Last year, plans for a 24-race season were thwarted by the cancellation of events in China and Italy (Emilia Romagna) due to Covid-related issues and floods respectively.
Notable among the races this year is Las Vegas, which received praise for its return to the calendar after over 40 years and will host the race on Saturday. Additionally, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will also stage races on Saturday in consideration of Ramadan.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the expanded schedule, many drivers, including reigning champion Max Verstappen, express discontent. Nevertheless, the sport’s governing body remains committed to its plans.
Once again, there will be six sprint races introduced independently of the main event, aimed at enhancing excitement and thrill while also offering a few points. These races are scheduled to take place in China, Miami, Austria, the US, Brazil, and Qatar. Notably, China and Miami will host these sprints for the first time, replacing Azerbaijan and Belgium since 2023. This decision, like many others, sparks controversy, with Max Verstappen notably voicing his dissent.
In a departure from previous norms, qualifying for the sprint races will now occur on Friday, with the sprints themselves preceding the main qualifying session on Saturday. Previously, all sprint-related activities were confined to Saturday.
Ahead of the season, two teams have undergone name changes. Alfa Romeo has reverted to Sauber, specifically known as the Sauber – Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. Additionally, Alpha Tauri, Red Bull’s sister team, has rebranded as Visa Cash App RB. Notably, for the first time in the sport’s history, there has been no alteration in the drivers’ line-up between the final race of 2023 and the opening race of 2024.
Before the season opener, a couple of significant developments have unfolded. Firstly, Lewis Hamilton’s decision to depart Mercedes for Ferrari at the season’s end has stirred emotions, given his remarkable success with Mercedes, securing six out of seven drivers’ championships. His final season with the Silver Arrows promises to be poignant as he aims to depart on a high note.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, faces allegations of inappropriate conduct from a female colleague, potentially jeopardizing his position. While the outcome remains uncertain,
prolonged investigations could cast a shadow over Red Bull’s status as favorites in the competition. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has urged for transparency in handling the matter, emphasizing its significance to the entire F1 community. The unfolding scandal is sure to captivate attention until its resolution.
Red Bull and Verstappen continue to dominate as the team to beat for their competitors. Verstappen’s remarkable performance last season, securing a record 19 victories out of 22 races, solidifies their position as frontrunners. With his previous season boasting 15 wins, it’s clear that unless rival teams have made significant strides with their cars during the off-season, Red Bull appears poised to clinch their fourth consecutive drivers’ title and third consecutive teams’ title.
During the first day of testing on Wednesday, Verstappen showcased his prowess by setting a pace that others struggled to match. He held a commanding lead of over a second ahead of the rest of the field, completing an impressive 143 laps without encountering any major issues.
While testing outcomes are not definitive indicators of performance, Red Bull’s dominance during testing suggests a strong start to the season. However, the unresolved issue involving Horner remains a potential factor that could disrupt their campaign if not swiftly addressed to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
